In the movie “Oppenheimer,” the reference to Lord Vishnu as the destroyer of worlds is a poignant moment that reflects the emotional and philosophical turmoil experienced by Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, the lead scientist of the Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb during World War II.
The analogy to Lord Vishnu originates from a passage in the Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, reveals his cosmic form to the warrior Arjuna. In this form, Krishna declares, “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” This line is interpreted as a metaphorical representation of the power of creation and destruction inherent in the universe.
Oppenheimer famously quoted this passage upon witnessing the first successful test of the atomic bomb in July 1945. His reference to Lord Vishnu was not meant to glorify the destructive capabilities of the bomb, but rather to express the profound weight of responsibility and moral dilemma that he and his colleagues faced. By harnessing the power of nuclear fission, they had become the creators of a weapon capable of unparalleled destruction, akin to the cosmic force of destruction embodied by Lord Vishnu.
In this context, Oppenheimer’s reference to Lord Vishnu reflects his deep contemplation of the ethical implications of scientific advancement and the devastating consequences of warfare. It serves as a sobering reminder of humanity’s capacity for both creation and destruction, and the imperative to wield scientific knowledge with wisdom and restraint. Oppenheimer is a beautiful movie worth watching by the discerning audience, which throws up very interesting lessons on nuclear science, universe, creation and destruction.
(Inspired by the Movie Oppenheimer)
Guchi.
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